Greifenstein lies at the northeastern edge of the Vienna Woods. Culture, water and outdoor activities are connected with a range of specific destinations: the castle and the parish and pilgrimage church of Maria Sorg, natural swimming spots on the Danube oxbow lake, the fish migration aid, and cycling and hiking routes. When choosing a place to stay, it is worth considering these different types of visits separately. For water-based activities, check local conditions and availability before travelling.

Greifenstein Castle and Maria Sorg

Greifenstein Castle was built by the Diocese of Passau in the early 11th century. It is privately owned, and visits are generally limited to viewing it from the outside. However, it is not open to visitors until further notice. This creates a clear contrast between its architectural history and current visitor access: the castle is a historic landmark, but is currently not open to visitors.

The parish and pilgrimage church of Maria Sorg, with its imposing tower, is a defining feature of Greifenstein. As a Catholic subsidiary church, it is protected as a historic monument under the relevant regulation. The castle and church offer different points of interest for culture enthusiasts: for the castle, its early architectural history and current visitor restrictions are key; for Maria Sorg, its sacred role and prominent tower in the townscape.

Nature on the Danube Oxbow Lake

There are natural swimming spots on the Greifenstein Danube oxbow lake, where you can also go pedal boating. For the swimming spots, it is advisable to check local conditions before travelling. You should also check in advance whether pedal boats are currently operating. The activities appeal to different interests: swimming in nature or taking a pedal-boat ride.

Another nature-related attraction is the Greifenstein fish migration aid. It opened in 2018 and is a natural, accessible bypass stream that also provides habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The fish migration aid is located in the “Tullnerfelder Donau-Auen” European protected area. While the natural swimming spots and pedal boating focus on leisure activities, the fish migration aid is about fish migration and habitat.

Cycling and Hiking Routes

There are two different points of interest for cycling. The Rose Tour goes as far as the Danube oxbow lake in Greifenstein. Stage 6 of the Danube Cycle Path runs along the south bank from Mautern to Klosterneuburg. Near Greifenstein, it crosses an arm of the Danube, and the ride continues along the other bank. While the Rose Tour has the oxbow lake as its destination, crossing the river arm is part of the Danube Cycle Path stage. Depending on your plans, you can distinguish between the destination at the oxbow lake and the river crossing.

The different planning details can also help you choose between the suggested hikes. The hike “From Greifenstein to the Lourdes Grotto” starts at Greifenstein-Altenberg railway station and is described as family-friendly. Tempelbergwarte can be reached from Greifenstein-Altenberg railway station via the Klotzbergsteig trail in about an hour on foot. You can therefore choose between the family-friendly description of the Lourdes Grotto hike and the approximate walking time to Tempelbergwarte.

Discover more destinations: Unterkirchbach, Frauendorf An Der Au, Hasendorf, Zöfing, Bierbaum Am Kleebühel, Neustift Im Felde, Sankt Andrä-Wördern, Mitterstockstall.

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